Artist uses belts to spark talks on discipline : NPR

Key Points:

• Multidisciplinary artist Lex Marie has gained viral attention on TikTok and Instagram for her artwork addressing corporal punishment and discipline within Black households, using belts as a central motif to explore themes of childhood, survival, and love.
• Marie's work critiques the historical roots of discipline in Black families, linking modern practices to the legacy of slavery and the violent control of Black bodies, a connection supported by scholars like Yohuru Williams.
• Her pieces, such as "Watch Your Tone" and "Because I Love You," use belts and paint to symbolize the physical and emotional impact of punishment, sparking widespread online conversations about childhood trauma and parenting.
• Marie emphasizes that her art is meant to open dialogue rather than shame, encouraging Black families to reconsider disciplinary methods and engage in honest discussions about their historical and emotional implications.
• The series, which has attracted buyers like filmmaker Spike Lee, will be featured in a solo exhibition at The Bishop gallery in Brooklyn this fall, aiming to foster recognition and healing through art.